Submucous plexus

Submucous Plexus

The Submucous Plexus (also known as Meissner's Plexus) is a network of nerve fibers and neuron cell bodies located in the submucosa, a layer of the human gastrointestinal tract. It is part of the enteric nervous system and plays a crucial role in regulating the function of the gastrointestinal tract.

Diagram of the Submucous Plexus

Structure

The Submucous Plexus is situated in the submucosal layer of the gastrointestinal tract, between the muscularis externa and the mucosa. It is composed of both sensory and motor neurons, which are interconnected to form a complex network. The neurons in the Submucous Plexus are smaller than those in the myenteric plexus, another component of the enteric nervous system.

Function

The primary function of the Submucous Plexus is to regulate the secretions of the gastrointestinal tract. It controls the volume and content of these secretions, ensuring that they are appropriate for the current digestive needs. Additionally, the Submucous Plexus also regulates local blood flow and absorption within the gastrointestinal tract.

Clinical Significance

Damage or dysfunction of the Submucous Plexus can lead to a variety of gastrointestinal disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome and Hirschsprung's disease. In Hirschsprung's disease, for example, the absence of the Submucous Plexus in a segment of the bowel leads to severe constipation and intestinal obstruction.

See Also

• Enteric Nervous System
• Myenteric Plexus
• Gastrointestinal tract